Fall Convocation to be held on Saturday, October 15th at War Memorial Hall

A Canadian legal eagle and an internationally renowned virologist will receive honorary degrees during the University of Guelph’s fall convocation ceremonies in War Memorial Hall Oct. 15.

Justice Dennis O’Connor, associate chief justice of Ontario, was called to the bar in Ontario in 1966. For 30 years he has served as an academic, a Yukon magistrate, a jurist and, most recently, as commissioner of two of the most important public inquiries held in Canada – Walkerton, Ont., and Maher Arar. His work in these cases has helped improve government accountability in Ontario, Canada and internationally.

O’Connor will deliver the convocation address and will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree at the 9 a.m. ceremony.

Marian Horzinek, professor emeritus in virology and viral diseases in the faculty of veterinary medicine at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, was an early proponent of the “one medicine” approach to health and a pioneer in veterinary virology. He has received numerous scholarly awards, has advised 40 PhD students and has published almost 300 papers in refereed journals.

Horzinek will speak during convocation and will receive an honorary doctor of science degree at the 2 p.m. ceremony for graduate studies.

The schedule of ceremonies is as follows:
9 a.m. College of Biological Science, College of Physical and Engineering Science, Ontario Agricultural College

11:30 a.m. College of Social and Applied Human Sciences

2 p.m. Graduate Studies

4:30 p.m. College of Arts, College of Management and Economics

7 p.m. Graduate Studies

Volunteers from both academic and non-academic units across campus will join the academic procession or serve as ushers, handing out name cards and hoods. More than 600 degrees will be awarded during the five ceremonies.